hello, I've been having trouble figuring out the wiring for my distributer.
i searched the forums for this and i did see anything that could help, so any info would be appreciated

the car is a 1970 Nova (points set up)
the engine is a 305 out of a 1988 Monte SS
I'm putting a HEI distributer into the car
so my question is, there are 4 wires going in to a plug coming out of the distributer (by the vacuum advance)
do i need this?
can i just remove it?
or is there a way to bypass it?
I'm attaching a picture to try and make this easier for everyone

Rickracer

08-08-2010 10:39 AM

That connection is for EST or ESC (Electronic Spark Timing or Electronic Spark Control). I see the distributor does have a mechanical advance mechanism, so it WILL work for you, but I'd have to look at the diagram for that system to see how to bypass the ESC or EST part of it. It may work just fine with that plug just left unplugged, but I don't remember for sure off the top of my head. :confused: :cool:

gearjammer38

08-08-2010 11:14 AM

thank you, i really appreaciate it. i wanna get this thing runnin!

Rickracer

08-08-2010 11:21 AM

It's coming back to me just a little, :confused: :rolleyes: :cool:
IIRC, you unplug that connector to make sure you are in base timing mode in order to set the timing, so I think it will work just fine just left unplugged.

gearjammer38

08-08-2010 11:24 AM

i set the timing before i decided to post about this problem, does that mean it will be off?

Rickracer

08-08-2010 11:32 AM

No, if it's running like that, you are good to go, :thumbup:

joe_padavano

08-08-2010 08:05 PM

Actually, a 1988 Monte would have had a CCC distributor WITHOUT the mechanical or vacuum advance mechanisms, so this distributor wasn't original to the Monte, either. Most likely this distributor came out of a mid-1980s Chevy truck. The easy way to fix this once and for all is to just get a normal four terminal HEI module and replace the seven terminal module you have now.

cobalt327

08-09-2010 06:35 AM

That HEI needs cleaned up. The advance plate needs to be checked to be sure it still easily rotates on the shaft, but in general the whole thing needs to come apart down to the last rusty little piece for a thorough cleaning. Also check to be sure the vacuum can works and that the small wires from the pickup coil that go to the module are good.

If you want to run it as-is (w/o replacing the pigtail and swapping to a 4-pin module), splice the green and black wires together on the distributor side. This will bypass the electronic spark control.

That HEI needs cleaned up. The advance plate needs to be checked to be sure it still easily rotates on the shaft, but in general the whole thing needs to come apart down to the last rusty little piece for a thorough cleaning. Also check to be sure the vacuum can works and that the small wires from the pickup coil that go to the module are good.

If you want to run it as-is (w/o replacing the pigtail and swapping to a 4-pin module), splice the green and black wires together on the distributor side. This will bypass the electronic spark control.